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There are writing groups to join, book clubs to participate in, festivals and conferences to go to, critique partners and groups, and online chats and discussions.

Recently I participated in the Romance Writers of Australia’s (RWA) ‘Clayton’s Conference’, which is a three day online event. It was so much more than I imagined, and the group of us Claytoneer’s have even started our own online networking group to continue the camaraderie and support.

Since joining the ‘writing community’ I have won giveaways, writing challenges, and received fantastic support and encouragement, as well as connections and opportunities in the publishing world, that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

So to all those ‘lonely writers’ out there, I urge you to step out and become part of this amazing network. Join online discussion groups, find a critique partner, and become part of a writing association. It doesn’t even have to be in your genre; I joined RWA even though I’m not a category romance writer, and now I would not be without them. I have learned about the craft of writing,  the publishing industry, how to edit, how to bring your characters to life, and read many inspiring author interviews.

And another thing, when I’m writing, how can I be lonely when I have my characters to keep me company!

I’ve tried making a schedule that allocates time for the most important, creative, and profitable things first, leaving the more mundane things like checking emails, paying bills, and sorting mail till the end of the day, but for some reason I tend to follow my schedule in reverse, stuck in the belief that If I get all the little things out of the way I’ll feel better and more able to focus on the BIG things. Problem is, by the time I’ve finished all the little things, I’m either too buggered to work on the big things, or I’ve managed to pull a whole new To Do List of little things out of thin air!

So I’ve come up with a solution: Prioritise Procrastination. Yep, procrastination is now a task in its own right, taking pride of place at the top of my To Do List. I figure if I make it seem important, I’ll be less likely to do it!

Would love to hear your thoughts… here it is:

……………………………..

It awakens me like a breath of fresh air, diffusing through my mind and body.

It excites me like the start of a new year, filled with hope and possibility.

A rush of ideas pours forth, creating a bridge towards a new world,

A world that changes and moulds in response to my thoughts.

Feels like I’m playing God, deciding the fate of these inner creations.

Or a sculptor …an artist, building layers of colours and textures,

Shaping them into something that’s never existed before.

Writing.

It gives wings to the birds in the cage of my mind.

In their flight they are free. And so am I.

This got me thinking about my own quirks, do I have any?

Well one of them has to do with books. I have about ten or so books piled high on my bedside, all with bookmarks about a third of the way through. Why can’t I just read one book at a time, then go onto the next one? … I don’t know. I usually only read one novel at a time, but I always have a sneak peek at the others on my to-read list, It’s the non-fiction books I can’t seem to read in order. I usually can’t wait to find out what it’s about, so I start reading a new book right away, then the mystery is solved somewhat and my interest wanes, and I move onto the next one to discover more ‘secrets’.  I also read these books with highlighter in hand, highlighting all those important bits of informaton I want to remember. I buy books related to business, marketing, health, goals, spirituality, and have about a thousand books on applying the law of attraction in your life. …Okay, so maybe all the half read books are attracting more half read books. It’s ‘law’ so I can’t help it 

Some of my other quirks: Before going to bed I always double check every lock in the house, and make sure the garage door is closed (even when I know it is). Is that a quirk, or is it me just being cautious? I also do a mental inventory of my handbag before going out to make sure I’ve got everything I need (who says a mini-flashlight isn’t essential?), and don’t even get me started on packing a suitcase – now that needs at least a full day! I also constantly check my To Do list, even though I remember damn well what I’m supposed to be doing at 4:47pm each day. Yes, I like checking things. It helps me feel safe, secure, and in control. Hmmm… I think I may have a touch of OCD …oh wait, let me check.

…Do you have any quirks? what are they?

I really think cosmetics should come with their own in-built air bags that puff up at the slightest hint of being dropped. Either that or someone should invent a waterproof carpet for bathrooms. Then again maybe I should just be more mindful when handling glass objects!

Oh well, off to clean up. Always fun to do a spot of vacuuming at 11:00 pm!

Living La Vida loca is my favourite at the moment, I love the hot pink and the dance picture. From Notting Hill with love …actually has a fantastic cover, and what an awesome book title! I love the simplicity of Please forgive me, and Desire looks glamourous, it makes you want to be there. Chick with a charm draws you in, and anything with sparkles gets my vote!

To see part one of covers I love, click here: http://chicklitauthor.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/chick-lit-book-covers-i-love-pt-1/

They say reading books and watching movies in your genre is good for research, but it’s also good for just plain fun, and I could do with a bit more of that right now!

While having lunch with my mother recently, I got to talking about Twilight. “What’s Twilight?” she asked. “You know. The world’s most popular book at the moment”. I replied. A genuine look of confusion appeared on my mothers face. “You haven’t heard of Twilight?!” I asked in shock. ”Nope. But I’ve heard of ‘The Twilight Zone’”. Yep, so have I. I think we’re in it.